Jamie Cabrera, WG'25, G'25 — Jaime Cabrera, WG’25, G’25, spent a summer in Mexico at Alta Grown Capital, where he learned to “embrace uncertainty.”

Lauder Leadership Immersion Internships Give Students Hands-On Global Experience

Every summer, a select few students at the Joseph H. Lauder Institute for Management & International Studies take part in Lauder Leadership Immersion Internships — experiences powered by gifts to the Lauder Annual Fund that allow them to spend the summer working in countries across the globe. These internships benefit Lauder students, who strengthen their language skills and gain hands-on experience.

We spoke with Jaime Cabrera, WG’25, G’25, a student who participated in the program this year, about what his experience was like — and what lessons he’ll bring to his future endeavors.

Wharton Impact: What country did you go to this summer, and where did you intern? What were your workdays like?

Jaime Cabrera: I worked at a private equity fund in Mexico City called Alta Growth Capital. As a summer intern, I spent my days conducting detailed valuations of our portfolio companies, identifying potential exit strategies, and visiting the companies to assess their performance. I also participated in board meetings, where I contributed to strategic discussions and decisions.

WI: What did you enjoy most about your experience?

JC: Participating in the board discussions and decisions on the strategic direction of the companies was my favorite part because it allowed me to engage directly with senior executives and experienced investors. These sessions provided invaluable insights into how high-level decisions are made, and I was able to witness firsthand how strategy is crafted and implemented. Contributing to these discussions challenged me to think critically and strategically, and it was incredibly rewarding to see how my analysis and ideas could influence the future direction of the companies.

WI: What’s one thing you learned abroad that changed your perspective in a meaningful, lasting way?

JC: The importance of adaptability in navigating unfamiliar environments. Living and working in Mexico taught me to embrace uncertainty, listen actively, and be open to diverse viewpoints. This experience made me more flexible and resilient in general.